I've been lurking around here for awhile and finally have gotten up the courage to ask the my first (of probably many) question.

As part of a greater remodel (converting attic space) I need to add support into our basement joist space. According to my plans I need to install new LVL beams (versa lam) that span from the outside bearing walls across the central beam in the basement. My question is: how do I install a LVL that spans from the rim joist of the outside wall across the central beam when the height dimension of the LVL is the same as the joists (LVL is 6X8 and joists are 2x8 16" OC)?

I've thought about cutting one of the top corners lengthwise along the LVL and rotating the beam in place, but I'm worried about impacting the strength of the LVL as well as changing the area of the contact patch on the top. Also, even with cutting the LVL in this fashion, it seems like I'll have to do an awful lot of pounding to get the beam rotated into place.

Thanks for the help.

mpepin

11-19-2008 08:43 PM

Generally, this is done using the technique you've described, sledge-hammering to rotate it into place. However, there is a more elegant method, you can cut out the rim joist where the new LVL will go and slide it into place from the outside. (If you've got a tile floor, do not use the sledge hammer method, you _will_ crack the tile. )

Southpaw

11-19-2008 08:49 PM

That technique had also been suggested by a friend. My only concern was that I would be disrupting the rim joist to install. Do I need to worry about how I repair the rim joist, or can I just end nail a patch into the LVL after install?

mpepin

11-19-2008 09:03 PM

The end nailed patch is fine. The rim joist is a compression member only. It transfers load from the wall above down to the plate below, as long as the piece is securely fastened, there is no problem. Before you cut out that piece of rim, make sure there are no point loads (posts) in the wall directly over the area you are removing.

DIYJIMBONL

11-19-2008 09:31 PM

I agree with mpepin but instead of patching in a piece of rim just cut you LVL 1 1/2 inch longer and keep it flush with the outside of the rim.

Southpaw

11-20-2008 10:32 AM

Thanks for the help ... maybe I will get those new beams in before turkey day!

Marvin Gardens

11-20-2008 11:27 AM

If the LVL is going full length you will probably not be able to put it in unless you cut out a hole in the outside and push it in. Even if you had 24 OC joists my guess is that you wouldn't get enough angle to get it in.

I would just cut the hole and go in that way.

Ron6519

11-20-2008 03:16 PM

Cut the beam in 1/2 so it will rest on both the sill and the midway support beam. If you can slide the engineered beam on top of the middle beam, slide it over the top until you can lift the sill side up into place, then slide it(hammer it, whatever) up into the sill. If you can't get the lvl up onto the middle support beam,notch the support beam a little so you can slide the lvl onto it. Raise the other side and hammer it into place.
Repeat for the other beam. Shim under the notches with a piece of oak or slate.
You won't get the whole beam in place in one piece. You can't rotate it as it is about 10 " on the diagonal.
Ron